# winch

/ˈwɪntʃ/ (US) · /wˈɪntʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/winch
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. lifting machine

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a machine with a rope or chain wound around a drum, used for pulling or lifting heavy objects.

For teachers: a mechanical device consisting of a drum on an axle, used for hoisting or hauling heavy loads by winding a rope or cable.

- The truck used a powerful winch to pull the car out of the deep mud.
- The sailors operated the electric winch to haul the heavy anchor back onto the deck before the storm arrived.

### 3. to kiss or date

verb · CEFR C2 · Dialect · Informal · British English

to kiss someone or to be in a romantic relationship with them.

For teachers: to engage in romantic courting or to kiss passionately; this usage is specific to Scottish dialects.

- They were seen winching in the corner of the pub last night.
- In certain parts of Scotland, you might hear someone ask if their friend is still winching that girl from the neighbouring village.

### 4. a witch

noun · CEFR C2 · Slang · Dialect

a word for a witch, used in some parts of West Africa.

For teachers: a slang term for a witch or someone believed to practice sorcery; primarily found in Nigerian English.

- In the local story, the old winch lived deep in the forest.
- The term winch is frequently encountered in Nigerian popular culture and literature to describe a person suspected of malevolent supernatural powers.

## Examples

- The truck used a winch to pull the car out of the mud.
- The sailors operated the electric winch to raise the heavy anchor before leaving the harbor.
- Equipped with a high-torque motor and a steel cable, the industrial winch proved essential for moving the heavy machinery across the factory floor during the renovation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.